The Broken Cord

The Broken Cord chronicles Michael Dorris's experience as a single father adopting a Native American child who has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The memoir follows his journey from adoption through years of parenting and advocacy. Dorris documents his research into FAS and its effects on Native American communities while simultaneously sharing his personal struggles as a parent. His dual role as both scholar and father provides perspective on the medical, social, and cultural dimensions of this preventable condition. The narrative tracks his son Adam's development and the family's navigation of educational, medical, and social service systems. Dorris includes interviews with other families affected by FAS and examines public policy regarding alcohol use during pregnancy. The Broken Cord connects one family's story to broader questions about responsibility, disability, and the relationship between Native and non-Native communities. The work stands as both a personal testimony and a call for awareness about the lasting impact of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Readers describe The Broken Cord as an honest, personal account that increased awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the 1980s. The combination of memoir and medical research helps explain FAS through both scientific and human perspectives. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex medical information - The father-son relationship portrayal - The author's transparency about mistakes and struggles - Documentation of Native American adoption issues Common criticisms: - Too academic and clinical in parts - Some outdated medical information - Focus shifts between personal story and research Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (90+ ratings) Reader quote: "This book made me understand FAS in a way no textbook ever could." -Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "The medical sections read like a dissertation and interrupt the emotional flow." -Amazon reviewer

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🔖 Michael Dorris was the first single man in the United States to adopt a child, adopting his son Adam in 1971. 🔖 The author discovered his adopted son had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) after reading about the condition in a medical journal; prior to this, doctors had been unable to diagnose Adam's condition. 🔖 Following the book's publication in 1989, Dorris testified before Congressional committees about FAS, helping raise national awareness and leading to legislation requiring warning labels about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. 🔖 The book won the 1989 National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction and was instrumental in bringing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome into mainstream public discourse. 🔖 Dorris was married to acclaimed author Louise Erdrich, and they collaborated on several literary works together, though their marriage ended tragically when Dorris died by suicide in 1997.